Abu Dhabi: Rulers and officials have hailed the decision of President His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan to declare 2018 as the Year of Zayed.
His Highness Dr Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, said that the name of the late Shaikh Zayed has always been associated with good work. He never failed to extend a helping hand to countries in need around the world, established values of goodness and humanitarian action and instituted them as the UAE’s priorities, and was proactive in helping people through humanitarian action, enabling the UAE to be one of the first countries in the world in this field.
His Highness Shaikh Saud Bin Rashid Al Mualla, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, expressed his pride in Shaikh Khalifa’s directives to name 2018 as the Year of Zayed, marking 100 years since the birth of the country’s founder. Shaikh Saud said that Shaikh Zayed created a national history and a humanitarian civilisation that demonstrated the genius of leadership and national determination to become a modern country that spreads goodness in every part of the world.
Shaikh Sultan Bin Mohammad Bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of Sharjah, hailed the directives by Shaikh Khalifa to dedicate 2018 as the Year of Zayed. He stressed that selecting 2018 as the Year of Zayed highlights the exceptional personality of the late Shaikh Zayed, who set an incomparable example through his leadership, prudence and loyalty for his county and the Arab and Islamic nations.
Shaikh Rashid Bin Saud Al Mualla, Crown Prince of Umm Al Quwain, stressed that Shaikh Zayed was the inspiring father and founder of the UAE, and through his vision and wisdom, he made the UAE occupy a distinguished position among advanced countries and made it a safe, stable and prosperous nation.
Shaikha Lubna Al Qasimi, Minister of State for Tolerance, emphasised that the Year of Zayed is an embodiment of a unified nation, which will bring with it many initiatives and achievements that will lead to progress, prosperity, and comfort. “The values, principles, and traditions of the UAE had their foundations set by Shaikh Zayed and embodied by Emirati citizens making them an example to be followed in various fields and sectors.”
Noora Mohammad Al Kaabi, Minister of State for FNC Affairs, said that the initiative to declare 2018 as the Year of Zayed immortalises the march of Shaikh Zayed that is rich with achievements. Al Kaabi said that it conveys the pride of every Emirati in the status that UAE occupies today, which began with the founding of the UAE.
Saeed Mohammad Al Tayer, managing director and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, said: “Today, we are pleased to support our social strategy for the Year of Giving, which includes 12 programmes for 27 social initiatives that adopt the theme of the Year of Zayed in 2018.”
Dr Mohammad Mattar Al Kaabi, Chairman of the General Authority of Islamic Affairs and Endowments, said that Shaikh Zayed is the spirit of the union that is present in the nation, its people, community and generations. He said that Shaikh Zayed safeguarded Emirati youth and the community from extremism and culture of violence through his wisdom and moderation.
Major General Mohammad Khalfan Al Rumaithi, Commander-in-Chief of Abu Dhabi Police, said that announcing 2018 as the Year of Zayed makes it a national occasion that celebrates Shaikh Zayed and highlights his role in founding and building the nation, in addition to his local and global achievements.
Major General Maktoum Ali Al Sharifi, Director-General of Abu Dhabi Police, said that the announcement of 2018 as the Year of Zayed is an important event in the history of the nation. He said that Shaikh Zayed succeeded in founding a modern state that respects tolerance, justice, peaceful coexistence, and works on helping the needy.
